European MPs warn of sanctions over jailed Maldives opposition leaders
A visiting delegation from the European parliament urged the government to free political prisoners and engage in genuine dialogue with political parties. “There is no chance that elections that are due to place here in 2018 will be rated as free and fair by Europe or the international community unless these steps start and start now,” said Richard Howitt, MEP.
09 Feb 2016, 9:00 AM
The European Union will consider imposing targeted sanctions on top Maldivian officials if the government does not release political prisoners and engage in dialogue with political parties, a visiting delegation from the European parliament said today.
Speaking to the local press, Richard Howitt, MEP and vice president of the delegation, said “genuine inter-party talks” should take place with an agreed timetable and an international mediator if required.
Noting that the UN has offered to mediate all-party talks, Howitt said the talks should focus on agreeing upon steps “to begin work to restore the political space, freedom of expression, and freedom of assembly which are today absent.”
“That dialogue cannot take place whilst political leaders are in detention. All leaders should be free to engage and the public must be informed. There is no chance that elections that are due to place here in 2018 will be rated as free and fair by Europe or the international community unless these steps start and start now,” he said.
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